Lot 196
A Royal Air Force Waziristan Aircrew and Police Gallantry Group
At Sea, On Land & In The Air | M24003
Auction: 24 September 2024 at 18:30 BST
Description
A Royal Air Force, Waziristan Aircrew, World War Two, Borough of Hastings Police Royal Humane Society Gallantry Group awarded to Corporal/Chief Inspector Ernest William Metcalf, 31 and No. 5 Squadron Royal Airforce and Hasting Borough Police, who crashed badly on the 14th of July 1925 at Kohat in a Bristol Fighter the pilot, Flying Officer Livock losing his right arm and Metcalf damaging his right arm. And as Chief Inspector Hasting Borough Police rescued two persons who were in imminent danger of drowning in the sae at Hastings on the 13th of August 1957 comprising, Indian General Service Meda, 1908-1935, one clasp, Waziristan 1921-24, (326834 Cpl. E.W. Metcalf. R.A.F.), 1939-45 Defence Medal, unnamed as issued, Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, (Insp. Ernest. W.H. Metcalf)Royal Humane Society Vellum Certificate (Chief Inspector Ernest William Henry Metcalf), medals contemporarily mounted for wear, Velum Certificate framed and glaze, medals toned very fine (4)
Ernest William Metcalf joined the Royal Air Force RAF Halton Scheme in the first intake aged 16 years 275 days old on the 25th of January 1919. He joined as A Boy Fitter (Electrician). He served as A Fitter (Air Crew) with 31 Squadron and then in Waziristan Campaign as Fitter (Air Crew) with 5 Squadron. His Flying Log Book records 114 flights.
On the 13th of July 1925 flying as Fitter in a Bristol Fighter with Flying Officer Livock as Pilot
“Kohat – Pilots First Solo Landed Cross Wind Burst a Wheel”
14th July 1925 Flying Officer Livock – Kohat Hanger Hit Telegraph Post on landing crashed badly machine and engine a write off. Admitted no 3 BG Hospital Kohat.
The accompanying photograph album contains photographs of the terrible crash, pieces of aircraft all across the field, Livock lost his right arm in the crash Metcalf badly injured his right arm. Photos of him bandaged included. He was discharged from the RAF on the 24th of March 1931.
Joining the Hasting Police he finally rose to the rank of Chief Inspector, on the 13th of August 1957 he save two women from drowning in the sea at Hastings, the lot includes and actual photograph of him in the sea in uniform rescuing the mother an daughter and letters from the two survivors saying thank you and a silver tankard presented by the daughter.
An incredible group, not only the medals and Fitter Flying Log Book, but his “A” Type Flying Helmet, Photographs Album, Vellum Scroll, Photographs, Discharge Certificate Police Badges and Buttons for Hampshire Constabulary, original letters , his Apprentice final exam models of tools original crash report and original photographs of Livock. Directly from the family. A magnificent group.
